3. Positive youth development as an agenda for cross-domain prevention: a scoping review of concepts, methods, and effects

Cross-domain prevention recognizes the complexity and interconnectedness of risk behaviors, as well as similarities in skills and conditions needed to reduce risk and promote healthy behaviors. To this end, the concept of positive youth development was introduced to empower young people by fostering competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring. In theory, these skills should positively affect individual, social, and societal development and thus reduce cross-domain risks and behaviors (e.g., sexual risk behavior, at-risk substance use, mental health problems). This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of concepts, methods, and evidence of positive youth development with a focus on cross-domain effects, and lead to a discussion of issues of standardization and harmonization regarding measures, qualifications, and cross-cultural implementaton.

Scoping review of the state of the art of positive youth development programs as well as the state of evidence regarding cross-domain effects.

While there is empirical support for cross-domain effects on an individual level, research on social and societal impact as well as standard indicators and qualifications of professionals regarding successful implementation is scarce.

Previous research on positive youth development shows that it is a promising agenda for the field of cross-domain prevention, however, the model lacks some theoretical foundation, particularly regarding social and societal impact, and clear recommendations regarding professional qualifications. No contributions were received.